The Pacific Corridor Enterprise Council (PACE), with support from the Government of Canada through Western Economic Diversification Canada, is compiling a database of Pacific Corridor Cross-Border Stakeholder Organizations (see current list below).

Feedback from these stakeholders will provide valuable regional input to the Canadian and U.S. federal governments as they define and implement the many provisions of the Harper/Obama "Border Action Plan" (more information can be found in Don Alper’s article Here).

Please add your organization to the database by filling out and submitting the form Here.

For this purpose, a "Stakeholder Organization" is defined as any organization whose membership, customer base or other constituents has a significant economic interest in cross-border trade and commerce in the Pacific Corridor (i.e., western Canada and the U.S. Pacific Northwest). It is expected that stakeholders will include non-profit associations or societies, government entities (federal, state/province, local), multi-national corporations, educational institutions, and economic development entities). A sub-department of a larger organization is acceptable. Small and medium companies should participate through their local Chamber of Commerce or other industry association.

Note, membership in PACE is not required. The role of PACE is to initiate dialogue among interested parties for the limited duration of the Action Plan.

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The Chamber represents the business community in Whatcom County, and speaks on issues ranging from border crossing impacts to exchange rates to Canadian investment in the region. The Chamber is the only US-based organization with a seat on the Lower Mainland Chamber's Transportation Panel, and is the host of the BESTT Coalition, the originators of the Enhanced Drivers' License concept.

The BC Trucking Association (BCTA) is a member-based organization that advocates on behalf of and represents about 1200 fleets, primarily trucking companies, but also motor coach operators. Many of our members operate into the US.

Cloverdale District chamber of commerce is involved on a participation manner with all the major issues with the border crossing issues at peace arch and pacific crossing and all related issues re nexus and fast marketing programs and improvements to improve trade, tourism, traffic issues,border wait times both sides of the international border.

The Economic Development Association of Skagit County (EDASC) is a non-profit organization with the expertise, resources, and services to assist businesses that are looking to expand or relocate to Washington State. Skagit County has a diverse and vibrant business environment that attracts new businesses and industries.
By thoroughly analyzing a prospect’s special needs and interests, EDASC can help Canadian companies that want to expand into the US market or Canadian companies that want to identify US customers in this region by providing:
• Access to capital, and review of available tax incentive programs.
• Site identification, and permit assistance.
• Training Programs on subjects such as export documentation, export controls, and the basics of exporting.
• Networking opportunities to match companies with qualified buyers and distributors.
• Market research and assistance.

Innovation Boulevard is a not-for-profit organization that is financially supported by municipal, provincial and federal governments as well as several sponsor organizations including Simon Fraser University.
Vision
To be recognized as the best local resource for actively matching innovation to funding and international markets. A model for other communities.
Mission
Innovation Boulevard matches regional talent and resources to global challenges and showcases the best solutions to their international markets. Innovation Boulevard supports and promotes local innovations that solve global challenges.

ITS is an academic institution dedicated to the promotion of co-operation across regional and national boundaries through teaching, interdisciplinary research, and public outreach concentrated on political, social, economic, and justice issues, and with special attention to the Pacific Northwest.

The Pacific Corridor Enterprise Council (PACE) was formed in 1989 as a non-profit, business organization to promote cross-border transactions and advocate the removal of barriers that impede the legitimate flow of people, goods and services across the Canada/USA border. PACE provides a forum for bringing together interested parties such as cross-border professionals, private enterprises, community and economic development organizations, governments and educational institutions who share a vision of expanded economic opportunities through cross-border trade. PACE members represent a broad cross-section of business and community interests. We believe that international trade provides long-term economic benefits to businesses, as well as the communities they serve.

The Port of Bellingham is the lead economic development organization for Whatcom County. The Port will assist Canadian firms to establish a permanent presence in the county and help connect to resources to make a successful entry into the US market. The Port is a grantee of Foreign Trade Zone #129 and operates Bellingham International Airport.

Semiahmoo Resort is a world class destination resort located on a mile long spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor in Blaine, Washington State. With views of White Rock BC, the Peace Arch, and Blaine Harbor, Semiahmoo boasts 2 amazing golf courses, a resort spa, and multiple dining and recreation facilities. The resort is reliant on a combination of individual and conference visitors from both the US and Canada, and actively seeks to build cross border ties with business and leisure clients.

The Surrey Board of Trade is the primary business organization for the second largest city in BC and represents over 1900 business members. Situated on the US-Canadian border with the two busiest border crossings in western Canada, we share common issues with our Washington business neighbours as well as an economy that is very much impacted by northwestern Washington State. We participate in many of the activities of Western Washington University\'s Canadian-American Studies Center and the Border Policy Research Institute. Canada-US commerce is critical to the success of the economy of Surrey, the Lower Mainland, Province and Country and the Surrey Board of Trade is an active stakeholder in the development of the policies enabling successful trade, as well as being alert to working to solve problems which may interfere with cross border commerce.

The Border Policy Research Institute conducts scholarly research on trade, transportation, security, environmental and migration issues that impact the flows of goods and people and affect border management on the Canada-US border.

Western Washington University Small Business Development Center is part of a national network that provides no cost, confidential, professional business advising services, research, and resources to existing and new businesses. Businesses in Canada looking to expand into Washington State can contact our office to access information, expertise and connections.

The Whatcom Council of Governments (WCOG) is a regional planning conference comprised of elected officials appointed to the Council by their respective jurisdictions. WCOG and its professional staff are also the region's metropolitan planning organization (MPO) as designated by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Since 1997, WCOG has also been the lead agency of a regional, cross-border planning coalition, the International Mobility and Trade Corridor Project (IMTC). IMTC convenes transportation agencies, inspection agencies, border communities, NGOs, and private sector entities to identify and advance mutually desired improvements to infrastructure, operations, and information technology applications at the Cascade Gateway -- the four primary border crossings and associated transportation systems that connect Whatcom County, WA and Lower Mainland BC.